Cristiano Ronaldo has called time on his Portugal career, passing the famous number seven shirt to the next generation.
Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, closing a 23-year chapter with Portugal that rewrote the record books. The 41-year-old forward announced the decision in an emotional Instagram video, saying it was time to hand the iconic number seven shirt to the future.
He leaves as Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, both marks world records at international level. Since his debut in August 2003, he has captained the side and led it to major honours, becoming one of the most decorated figures in the country's football history.
Ronaldo said the choice was a difficult one because it came from the heart as much as the head. He described the journey that began in 2003 as one that changed his life forever.
The announcement follows reports of tension in the Portugal camp in September, when he left the squad after being told he would not start the Nations League match against Denmark. The Portuguese Football Federation has since expressed its wish to pay tribute to him as he steps away from the national team.
